John Colenback, star of the CBS soap "As The World Turns," died May 12 in West Hollywood. His nephew Timothy confirmed the news. The actor was 79 and died of complications from the pulmonary disease COPD, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Colenback was best known for playing Dr. Dan Stewart on the now-canceled series from 1966-73 then again from 1976-79. The soap star was also an accomplished stage actor with Broadway and off-Broadway credits. He made his Broadway debut in 1961 after being discovered at The Summer Stock Theatre in New Hope, Pa. His stage credits include "A Man for All Seasons," "After the Rain," "Twelfth Night," "A Scent of Flowers" and "Four Friends." The actor also stared in multiple television series, including, "From These Roots" and "An Innocent Love."

Colenback was born in Toledo, Ohio, and attended Dartmouth College where he studied English and was voted best actor his senior year.

In addition to his acting, Colenback served as a newscaster and spokesperson for the RCA Color Central Explosion at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Colenback is survived by his brother Lloyd J. Colenback Jr.; and nieces and nephews Judith Colenback Savage, Timothy Lloyd Colenback, Girard Mosby Colenback, Richard Breed III, Amalia H. Breed, John W. Colenback and Jared S. Colenback, according to Variety.